Locations created to accept packaging foam for recycling

By John P. Huston | 12/27/2011

Though there wasn’t snow this year, there is often a “white Christmas” thanks to all the Styrofoam that comes wrapped inside the presents under the tree.

Through Jan. 2, Wilmette residents can leave their white-colored polystyrene foam (Styrofoam is a brand name) at several local locations for recycling. The non-biodegradable substance is not accepted through the village’s curbside recycling program.

The village partnered with local activist group Go Green Wilmette to establish three residential drop-off locations, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.:

Polystyrene foam will also be accepted 24 hours at the village’s Public Works Facility, 711 Laramie Ave., in 96-gallon containers located in the front visitor parking lot.

The program accepts flat and molded polystyrene foam commonly used to package electronics or appliances. Packing “peanuts” are not accepted, but can be taken to local UPS stores for recycling.

Wilmette’s recycling program only accepts clean “clam-shell” food containers. Other polystyrene products are not accepted because of “limitations with processing capacity at the large-scale sorting facilities and weak global demand in the marketplace,” according to the village.

The polystyrene products that Go Green Wilmette collects will be taken to Abt Electronics in Glenview for recycling. For more information about the program or to learn about Go Green Wilmette, visit the group’s website at gogreenwilmette.org.